Middle East Investor Relations Society joins Global IR Network

Published May 7th, 2009 - 07:47 GMT

The Middle East Investor Relations Society (ME-IR Society), a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and developing the investor relations pro

The Middle East Investor Relations Society (ME-IR Society), a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and developing the investor relations profession, announced today that it has joined the Global IR Network, which is focused on sharing the experience and resources of existing national societies worldwide. This follows the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ME-IR Society and the IR Society of the UK.

This announcement follows the successful conclusion of the ME-IR Society’s first international investor relations conference in Bahrain, which was held recently in Manama and included four extremely lively panel discussions.

This unique one-day event was attended by more than 125 delegates from across the region, Europe and the United States, including buyside/sellside equity analysts, representatives of publicly listed companies, and members of the regional capital markets and financial community at large.

The Manama event coincided with the Society’s introduction of a range of membership packages for IR professionals, listing partners and companies. Dubai Financial Market has already become the first regional exchange to partner with the ME-IR Society. The two sides recently signed a memorandum of understanding that highlights the commitment of both parties to enhancing investor relations practices in the UAE.

The benefits of membership in the ME-IR Society include access to investor relations workshops and educational material, regular updates on relevant news, participation in seminars, webinars and networking events, and representation in the Society itself. Packages are available for founders (by invitation only), corporates, listing partners and individuals. Further information about membership packages is available at: www.me-irsociety.com[1].

“Now more than ever, investor relations professionals here in the Middle East can play a critical role in attracting increased investment to this young and dynamic region,” said Arif Amiri, a UAE national who serves as Chairman of the ME-IR Society.

“In the months to come, we look forward to rapidly expanding our membership base to include companies and individuals from across the region that seek to contribute this important and timely dialogue about best practice investor relations,” he added.

“As one of the youngest members in the Global IR Network family from one of the world’s most rapidly emerging markets, the Middle East Investor Relations Society will make a vital contribution in ensuring the region’s IR professionals have access to the resources and tools they need to meet the ongoing challenges of effective IR, especially critical in the current market,” said Ian Matheson, Chairman of the Global IR Network.

About the Middle East Investor Relations Society:The Middle East Investor Relations Society (ME-IR Society) aims to support the further development and practice of investor relations across the Middle East in line with the rapid growth of the region’s capital markets and increasing demand from both regional and global investors for greater disclosure and transparency. The ME-IR Society is the first of its kind in the region and serves as a unique platform for IR professionals. Its main objective is to promote and develop the IR profession by creating a solid networking platform for regional practitioners and a forum for sharing and promoting of IR standards. www.me-irsociety.com[1]